If you’re looking for a dish that’s refreshingly simple yet irresistibly indulgent, this Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes cooked to perfection in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of kosher salt, it creates a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. The crowning glory of creamy burrata melting into the warm pasta adds that wow-factor richness that feels like a special treat but is truly effortless to make. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that celebrates simple ingredients in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness of cherry tomatoes to the fresh punch of basil, all coming together to create a dish packed with both texture and bright flavors.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds a silky base to sauté your tomatoes, infusing rich, fruity notes.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape): Their natural sweetness and juiciness form the heart of the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a pungent warmth that elevates the tomato flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste): Enhances all the flavors while balancing the tomatoes’ acidity.
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or bucatini): The perfect canvas for this dreamy tomato and burrata sauce.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving): Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the pasta mix and as garnish.
- ¼ cup basil (chopped, plus more for garnish): Fresh basil breathes brightness and color that complements the creamy burrata.
- 8 ounces burrata: The star ingredient, bringing an ultra-creamy, luscious texture that melts into the pasta for pure comfort.
How to Make Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tomatoes
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat and adding your olive oil. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with kosher salt to coax out their natural juices and sweetness. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often, so the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, creating a fresh, vibrant base sauce. Then add the minced garlic and allow it to cook for just a minute more, releasing its aromatic flavor without turning bitter.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While your tomatoes are slowly simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, but aim to undercook it by about a minute so it stays perfectly al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help meld everything together in the next step.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with your luscious tomato mixture. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water—it’ll loosen the sauce just right and help everything coat the noodles evenly. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and the chopped basil over the top, then gently toss everything to combine and let the cheese melt slightly.
Step 4: Add the Burrata
Finally, tear your beautiful burrata into pieces and nestle them gently into the warm pasta pan. The burrata softens quickly, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish. Finish by garnishing with extra basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving immediately for the ultimate flavor experience.
How to Serve Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil and an additional dusting of parmesan are all you need to elevate this dish visually and taste-wise. The vibrant green basil contrasts beautifully with the creamy white burrata and the deep red tomatoes, while the cheese adds a sharp finish to every bite. For an extra touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper never hurts.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh green salads or lightly roasted vegetables. Think arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or oven-roasted asparagus. A warm crusty baguette also makes for fantastic dipping into any leftover sauce, making your meal feel more complete without stealing the spotlight from the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more impressive presentation, serve this Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe in individual shallow bowls so each dollop of burrata is visible. You might also consider layering the tomatoes and basil underneath the pasta and topping with burrata just before serving for that visual pop. A rustic wooden board or charming ceramic plates can add extra warmth and charm to the overall meal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the burrata separate if possible since its texture and flavor are best fresh, but the pasta and tomato sauce reheat beautifully.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the delicate nature of burrata and the fresh tomatoes. It’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the creamy texture and burst of flavor, so plan to prepare just enough for immediate enjoyment or next-day meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Skip reheating the burrata—if you have some left over, serve it cold on top of the warmed pasta or save it for another dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
While burrata is the star because of its creamy, luscious texture, fresh mozzarella or even ricotta can be used as alternatives. They won’t provide the same melt-in-your-mouth richness but will still add a lovely creaminess to the pasta.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
Spaghetti and bucatini are excellent choices because their long strands catch the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with other shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne to suit your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version isn’t vegan due to the parmesan and burrata cheeses. To make it vegan, you could omit the cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives, but the classic flavor profile will be different.
How can I make this dish more protein-packed?
Adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas can boost the protein content. Just be sure to add these toppings at the end to maintain the integrity of the pasta and sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Just adjust cooking time according to the package, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster or sometimes require more gentle handling.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of fresh, simple ingredients turning into a dish that feels both comforting and special. This Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little elegance to your table without fuss or stress. Give it a try and share it with your loved ones—you’re sure to see smiles all around!
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Easy Pasta with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pasta with Burrata recipe is a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed with bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, parmesan, and creamy burrata cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
For the Pasta and Toppings
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or bucatini)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tomato Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes and kosher salt, cooking for about 15 minutes while stirring often until the tomatoes start to burst. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by 1 minute to keep the pasta slightly firm. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce along with the reserved pasta water, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Gently toss everything together over low heat until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy.
- Add Burrata and Serve: Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and gently fold it into the pasta. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy while warm!
Notes
- Use grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are not available; either works well.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- For a slightly smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes instead of cooking on the stove.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the burrata.
- Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if unavailable, though the creaminess will be less.
